Other dogs in thymy dew Tracked the hares and followed through Sunny moor or meadow; This dog only crept and crept Next a languid cheek that slept, Sharing in the shadow. Other dogs of loyal cheer Bounded at the whistle clear, Up the woodside hieing; This dog only watched in reach Of a faintly uttered speech, Or a louder sighing. And if one or two quick tears Dropped upon his glossy ears, Or a sigh came double, Up he sprang in eager haste, Fawning, fondling, breathing fast In a tender trouble. And this dog was satisfied If a pale, thin hand would glide Down his dewlaps sloping, Which he pushed his nose within, After platforming his chin On the palm left open. This dog, if a friendly voice Call him now to blither choice Than such chamber keeping, “Come out,” praying from the door, Presseth backward as before, Up against me leaping. Therefore to this dog will I, Tenderly, not scornfully, Render praise and favour; With my hand upon his head, Is my benediction said, Therefore and forever. · · · · · Mrs. Browning said in a note to this poem: “This dog was the gift of my dear and admired friend, Miss Mitford, and belongs to the beautiful race she has rendered celebrated among English and American readers.” Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, addressed a long poem to his dog, ending: When my last bannock’s on the hearth, Of that thou canna want thy share; While I ha’e house or hauld on earth, My Hector shall ha’e shelter there. Another favourite was honoured by Dr. Holland, the essayist, lecturer, magazine editor, and poet: TO MY DOG BLANCO. My dear, dumb friend, low lying there, A willing vassal at my feet, Glad partner of my home and fare, My shadow in the street. I look into your great brown eyes, Where love and loyal homage shine, And wonder where the difference lies Between your soul and mine! For all of good that I have found Within myself or human kind, Hath royally informed and crowned Your gentle heart and mind.